The New York Knicks are now considered a playoff team.
However, their roster is in a more precarious position than it might seem at first glance. Their offseason has been generally successful. Indeed, management appears to have achieved all of its goals, with the exception of the re-signing. Isaiah Hartenstein. However, their actions turned Julius Randle in a square peg trying to fit into a round hole.
Knicks’ Julius Randle trade value assessed amid turbulent offseason
The Knicks’ projected starting lineup includes team captain Randle Jalen Brunsonthen two 3-and-D specialists in Mikal Bridges And OG Anunoby. From there, New York has several options.
They can start Mitchell Robinsona higher echelon rim protector, in the center. If they don’t go that route, Josh Hart‘s versatility and endurance could push him into a starting role. It’s also possible the Knicks could turn to Donte DiVincenzowhose play last season led to his replacement Quentin Grimes in the first unit.
Either way, Randle’s role will be very different from what he’s used to.
If he starts at center, it will be just the second time in his 10-year career. Unfortunately for New York, he is 6’4″ and not a very capable defender. If he starts at power forward, Bridges and Hart could take away his playing time. Still, Randle has played at least 35 minutes per game over the last four seasons.
Ultimately, the situation lends itself to the possibility of Randle requesting a trade. With him and the Knicks holding off on reach a contract extension agreementThere’s a growing likelihood. However, when The Athletic’s Fred Katz asked “someone who works in the front office of a contending team” what Randle’s trade value was, he was told it was “neutral at best.”
Therefore, a transaction involving Randle could be slow to materialize, if it occurs at all.
Are there any jobs that make sense?
The lukewarm interest in Randle is not surprising.
The former top-10 pick is nearing the end of his theoretical prime, turning 30 shortly after the season begins. He’s coming off a shoulder injury that limited him to 46 games last season. He’s not a reliable three-point threat or defender. Plus, he’s making $59.9 million over the next two seasons, which doesn’t help in an NBA that’s increasingly cap-conscious.
The team that traded Randle should view him as the missing piece. That being said, there are several suitors who could take that position. The Los Angeles Lakers are looking for a player who can help them turn the corner. The Los Angeles Clippers have yet to replace Paul GeorgeCleveland Cavaliers trade for pivot Jarrett Allen could help them both.
The best trade for the Knicks and Randle could bring him back to Los Angeles.
If the Lakers offer New York a package that includes Rui Hachimura And Jarred Vanderbilt, Both teams could solve their problems. LA gets its third star, with Randle giving them arguably the best forward line in the league. The Knicks get a backup for Randle in Hachimura and a backup for Hartenstein in Vanderbilt. Fortunately for New York, both Hachimura and Vanderbilt are willing to accept backup roles, limiting the potential for ego clashes despite their depth.
